Disrupt the Cycle to ease the itch
Inflammation is the immune system's early response to injury and contact with allergens and is mediated by various immune cells including T lymphocytes and mast cells.15 Inflammation causes itching through the action of cytokines, including actions on nerve endings.14
Eczematous skin itches very easily. Scratching the itch causes the red, bumpy rash of eczema to appear or become worse. That means scratching itchy skin leads to more itching, which leads to more scratching, and the itch-scratch cycle is in full swing. Inflammation is a component of this cycle.
The Mechanism of Itch19
- Contact with an environmental allergen or other eczema trigger mobilizes calcineurin, a key enzyme necessary for T- cell activation, a contributor to inflammation.19
- Activated T cells release a cascade of inflammatory proteins and peptides that results in clinical signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD), including pruritus.19
Disrupt the Inflammation Process and Ease the Itch19
- Protopic Ointment inhibits the activity of calcineurin thereby inhibiting T-cell activation and proliferation.*19
- Reduction of inflammatory proteins calms down the inflammatory process, reduces the itch, and disrupts the itch-scratch cycle.19
*The primary mechanism underlying the disease process of AD is not completely understood. The exact MOA of Protopic in the treatment of AD is not known.